KENNESAW, Ga. | Jul 19, 2019

Award-winning director, actor, teacher and university administrator takes the helm 

Harrison Long has been named Interim Chair of the Department of Theatre and Performance Studies at Kennesaw State University (KSU), effective July 1, 2019, by Dr. Ivan Pulinkala, dean of the College of the Arts. He said, “Prof. Long’s commitment to the Department of Theatre and Performance Studies is rooted in the outstanding acting program he has developed at KSU. He embodies the scholar-artist philosophy by way of his own published scholarship and celebrated creative activity. Prof. Long is a sought-after public speaker, outstanding actor and inspirational leader. I have no doubt that he will advance the Department of Theatre and Performance Studies with a strong commitment towards student success and a focus on the professional practices within the discipline.”

“This is an exciting time to be a part of the College of the Arts leadership team,” said Long. “Building on our past successes, the College of the Arts is poised to move to a whole new level of excellence, leading the way for university arts programs across the state and region. Our outstanding faculty, staff and students are making a positive impact in the communities we serve. For that reason, the best arts organizations in the region are lining up to create partnerships with KSU’s College of the Arts.”

He continued, “Beyond our reputation for training top notch arts professionals and scholars, we’re becoming known as a major arts center for north metropolitan Atlanta. Cobb County residents no longer have to venture far to experience world-class music, dance, theatre and visual arts. It’s thrilling to know we are contributing to the communities that have helped us become the highly respected programs we are today.”

An award-winning director, actor, teacher and university administrator, Long was appointed by President Pam Whitten as KSU’s representative to the USG’s Executive Leadership Institute program, whose mission is to prepare potential high-level leaders within the USG system. His directing credits include the first site-specific production of Lee Blessing’s cold war drama, A Walk in the Woods at Serenbe Playhouse, and the NEA-sponsored Splittin’ the Raft, which toured seven Georgia communities ranging from inner-city schools to rural mountain towns. In 2015, his production of Parade commemorated the centennial of Leo Frank’s tragic death in Marietta, Georgia, the town where it occurred.

As a professional theatre artist, he has worked in the American regional theatre and in New York City on material ranging from contemporary drama to musical comedy to Shakespeare. In 2005, he founded the acting program at Kennesaw State University (KSU) where he currently serves as Senior Associate Dean of the College of the Arts and as Interim Chair of the Department of Theatre and Performance Studies. Professor Long is the 2013 recipient of KSU’s Foundation Prize for Publication and the 2014 winner of KSU’s Distinguished Professor Award.